NBDHE ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES
EXAM WITH CORRECT QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2025
The dental hygienist obtains a new client's consent to obtain dental records from a
previous dental provider. In reviewing the record, it appears the client was not truthful
concerning his health history. Which of the following ethical principles did the client
violate?
a. Autonomy
b. Beneficence
c. Justice
d. Veracity - CORRECT-ANSWERSveracity
(the patient did not tell the truth and was not honest in responding to the health
history.)
A new dental office manager distributes guidelines to staff dental hygienists indicating
that client appointments will be reduced by 50%. The dental hygienist is concerned
,about the substandard care that will be delivered because of lack of adequate time.
Which of the following ethical principles is violated by this request?
a. Informed consent
b. Acts of mercy and charity; promoting the good
c. Provision of care within scope of practice
d. Fairness and equity
e. Obligation not to inflict harm - CORRECT-ANSWERSobligation not to inflict harm
(the obligation is not to inflict harm and substandard care may harm the patient.)
A front desk staff person at a dental clinic receives a telephone call from insurance
company representative who is seeking health-related information about a client. The
person is concerned about sharing information without the client's consent. Which of
the following ethical principles is guiding the front desk person in their decision
making?
,a. Respecting the patient's privacy
b. Acts of mercy and charity; promoting the good
c. Provision of care within the scope of practice
d. Fairness and equity
e. Do not inflict harm intentionally
f. Truthfulness and honesty - CORRECT-ANSWERSrespecting the patient's privacy
(refusing to disclose information without consent demonstrates respect for the
patient's privacy and right to grant or not grant permission for information to be
shared.)
A state has a dental hygiene board that oversees the practice of dental hygiene,
disciplinary matters and licensure requirements. This reflects a profession's obligations
to
a. provide guidance and a framework for regulating practice.
b. protect the public.
c. ensure dental hygienists practice legally and ethically.
, d. all the above - CORRECT-ANSWERSall the above
(all of the above are functions of a state board.)
After a client's assessment and data collection, a dentist determines that referral to a
periodontist is necessary for the client to receive appropriate treatment. The dental
hygienist does not agree and does not give the client a referral slip for a periodontist.
Which of the following best describes this situation?
a. Risk of losing the client
b. Failing to fulfill a duty that results in harm
c. Justice
d. A difference of opinion - CORRECT-ANSWERSfailing to fulfill a duty that results in
harm
(failing to fulfill a duty that results in harm to a patient or client.)
A client does not take premedication as instructed before dental treatment. Which of
the following best describes this situation?
EXAM WITH CORRECT QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2025
The dental hygienist obtains a new client's consent to obtain dental records from a
previous dental provider. In reviewing the record, it appears the client was not truthful
concerning his health history. Which of the following ethical principles did the client
violate?
a. Autonomy
b. Beneficence
c. Justice
d. Veracity - CORRECT-ANSWERSveracity
(the patient did not tell the truth and was not honest in responding to the health
history.)
A new dental office manager distributes guidelines to staff dental hygienists indicating
that client appointments will be reduced by 50%. The dental hygienist is concerned
,about the substandard care that will be delivered because of lack of adequate time.
Which of the following ethical principles is violated by this request?
a. Informed consent
b. Acts of mercy and charity; promoting the good
c. Provision of care within scope of practice
d. Fairness and equity
e. Obligation not to inflict harm - CORRECT-ANSWERSobligation not to inflict harm
(the obligation is not to inflict harm and substandard care may harm the patient.)
A front desk staff person at a dental clinic receives a telephone call from insurance
company representative who is seeking health-related information about a client. The
person is concerned about sharing information without the client's consent. Which of
the following ethical principles is guiding the front desk person in their decision
making?
,a. Respecting the patient's privacy
b. Acts of mercy and charity; promoting the good
c. Provision of care within the scope of practice
d. Fairness and equity
e. Do not inflict harm intentionally
f. Truthfulness and honesty - CORRECT-ANSWERSrespecting the patient's privacy
(refusing to disclose information without consent demonstrates respect for the
patient's privacy and right to grant or not grant permission for information to be
shared.)
A state has a dental hygiene board that oversees the practice of dental hygiene,
disciplinary matters and licensure requirements. This reflects a profession's obligations
to
a. provide guidance and a framework for regulating practice.
b. protect the public.
c. ensure dental hygienists practice legally and ethically.
, d. all the above - CORRECT-ANSWERSall the above
(all of the above are functions of a state board.)
After a client's assessment and data collection, a dentist determines that referral to a
periodontist is necessary for the client to receive appropriate treatment. The dental
hygienist does not agree and does not give the client a referral slip for a periodontist.
Which of the following best describes this situation?
a. Risk of losing the client
b. Failing to fulfill a duty that results in harm
c. Justice
d. A difference of opinion - CORRECT-ANSWERSfailing to fulfill a duty that results in
harm
(failing to fulfill a duty that results in harm to a patient or client.)
A client does not take premedication as instructed before dental treatment. Which of
the following best describes this situation?
